My journey towards perfect health using an 80% raw food diet and other alternative health techniques. This blog includes my health experience as well as my knowledge and opinions on the subject of natural health.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Maca Root is truly the "Super Food of the Andes." What makes maca so wonderful is the fact that it is an adaptogen, which helps your body to adapt to stresses that are placed upon it. Natives of the Andes mountains have been using maca roots adapting powers to be able to withstand living at extremely high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower.

Benefits of Maca Root

Due to maca root's effect on the Endocrine system it is able to regulate metabolism, energy levels, growth, sexual development and helps to develop a healthy sense of well being and attitude towards life.

Garry P. Gordon, MD, former president of the American College for Advancement in Medicine called Peruvian Maca Root to be "nature's answer to Viagra" due to its benefits on male erectile tissue response. It does this by normalizing hormones such as testosterone for men and progesterone and estrogen for women.

This is why I was able to overcome infertility through the use of maca root (see my article called "How Maca Root Got Me Pregnant"). I also noticed while on maca root that my own libido shot through the roof, so I know it is great for improving sexual function and desire.

As far as women who are going through menopause, maca is especially wonderful for them. Gabriel Cousens, MD stated, "Whenever possible, I prefer to use maca therapy rather than hormone replacement therapy because HRT actually ages the body diminishing the hormone producing capability of the glands. Maca has proved to be very effective with menopausal patients in eliminating hot flashes and depression and in increasing energy levels."

Maca root does a great job of increasing stamina and in helping a person to overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Other benefits which derive from maca include: the regulation of hormonal irregularities, the alleviation of depression, reduced anxiety, greater sense of well-being, reduced affects of stress on the body, improvements in circulation and it increases the speed in which wounds and injuries are healed. Maca Root also improves conditions such as anemia; it enhances memory, mental and learning abilities so you can do better in your studies or in staying on task.

For bodybuilders, maca root is a great alternative to anabolic steroids as it helps to build muscle quickly without any toxic side effects.

For vegans it is important to take due to its B12 content. Vegans usually lack this important vitamin in their diets due to not eating any animal products.

Nutrients in Maca Root

Besides having some B12 vitamin content. It is very high in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B12, C, D and E. Maca is also known for being high in alkaloids, which are important for the hormone regulation of calcium and phosphorus.